How to Make Your Own Music With a Free Program

Mix audio without expensive equipment.

With the rapid increase in technology and computing power over the past few years, certain projects, such as music producing, are now a reality for the layman. With some decent equipment, a fairly capable computer, and a little know-how, making your own music tracks can be easy and inexpensive. One of the benefits of producing music on a personal computer is that the program can handle the most basic tracks as well as complex arrangements.

Instructions

1. Download a copy of Audacity. It's a freeware music-editing program that works on Mac and Windows platforms.

2. Follow the instructions to install and launch the software.

3. Attach the audio input to the computer and begin recording. There should be an input jack in the computer's sound card port. When recording a live instrument such as a guitar or microphone, adjust the levels in the program before recording so that it works to the user's specifications.

4. Add another track to a recorded track by pressing the "Record" button a second time. A new track will appear below the previously recorded track.

5. Edit and mix the project until completion. When finished, export it as an audio file readable by other sources (Audacity records the files in a proprietary format) by clicking "File" and then "Export."

Tips & Warnings

• Exporting as an mp3 will require an add-on encoder, but Audacity is equipped to download it directly upon request.

References

• Audacity: Free Audio Editor and Recorder